"Reagan" Biopic Sparks Controversy: Screenwriter Blames DEI Standards for Oscar Snub
The biopic "Reagan," starring Dennis Quaid as the iconic former president, has become embroiled in controversy, with the film’s screenwriter, Howard Klausner, attributing its lack of Oscar consideration to the Academy’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards. Klausner expressed his disappointment, suggesting that Hollywood has lost touch with a significant portion of its audience in its pursuit of these new guidelines.
According to Klausner, the film was among 116 that failed to meet the Academy’s newly implemented criteria for Best Picture consideration. These criteria, introduced in 2024 for the 96th annual ceremony, require films to fulfill at least two out of four categories focused on the representation of underrepresented groups, including women, racial or ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. This representation can be achieved through onscreen casting and storytelling, diverse creative leadership behind the scenes (directors, cinematographers, etc.), internship and training opportunities for underrepresented groups, or representation in the film’s marketing, publicity, and distribution.
Klausner shared his feelings of resignation and disillusionment with Fox News Digital, stating, "There’s not really anger and indignation among those of us who made this film, we didn’t seriously expect to be nominated for anything by Hollywood in this cultural climate— it’s just sadness, really." He lamented the perceived decline of Hollywood as a unifying force, adding, "What has become of the magnificent Dream Factory that once was Hollywood. Once upon a time it spoke to the heart and dreams of pretty much everybody, and the leaders and luminaries of the 20th century industry intuitively seemed to ‘get’ the middle of the country as well as the cultural elite."
In an earlier interview with the New York Post, Klausner criticized the new rules, arguing that "By these new rules, many previous winners would never have been recognized." He further emphasized the need for a broader discussion about the policy, stating, "Obviously, there needs to be a conversation about this policy." Fox News Digital reached out to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) for comment, but no response has been reported.
The film’s producer, Mark Joseph, echoed Klausner’s sentiments and revealed plans to apply for a Guinness World Record for the largest disparity between viewer and critical approval of a film. He cited the film’s overwhelmingly positive 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, contrasting sharply with its 18% rating from critics. This disparity further fuels the narrative that the film resonated with a significant portion of the audience while being dismissed by the critical establishment, potentially due to perceived political biases or failure to meet the Academy’s DEI standards.
Klausner emphasized his belief that movies used to be a unifying force, a stark contrast to what he perceives as their role in the current cultural divide. He stated, "I mean, movies seriously used to bring us all together. Now they seem to be a big part of the continuing cultural divide." Despite his criticism, he maintained that he holds no personal animosity, stating, "I don’t have any axe to grind or fingers to point here, I still have many friends and colleagues in ‘The Town’ as it’s lovingly known." He recounted a conversation with a studio executive who allegedly stated that they "primarily make movies for 10% of the population," a sentiment that prompted Klausner to leave Hollywood and focus on producing "heartland films" like "Reagan," catering to the perceived 90% neglected by the industry.
The controversy surrounding "Reagan" extends beyond the Oscar snub. Last year, Quaid and the film’s marketing team claimed that Facebook restricted their ability to promote the film through paid advertisements. According to them, Facebook suspended the movie’s official account multiple times over clips of Quaid discussing the movie in media appearances. They were reportedly told by Facebook that the post "mentions politicians or is about sensitive issues that could influence public opinion, how people vote and may impact the outcome of an election or pending legislation."
Quaid expressed his bewilderment at the restrictions, pointing out that Reagan had not been on the ballot for 40 years and was ineligible to run due to term limits. He suggested that the system appeared to be "automated."
A Meta spokesperson later clarified that the restrictions were a mistake, stating, "While there are no restrictions on this page that would prevent the admins from posting, we did identify a handful of ads from this account that were incorrectly rejected. This happened because our automated systems mistakenly determined that content about President Reagan required prior authorization in accordance with our policies for ads about social Issues, elections or politics. This was a mistake, and the restriction on the ads has been lifted."
Quaid emphasized that Facebook censored materials relating to the film without even seeing them, highlighting the potential for algorithmic bias and the challenges faced by films with perceived political or sensitive content.
The "Reagan" controversy raises important questions about the role of DEI standards in the film industry, the perceived disconnect between Hollywood and the general public, and the potential for censorship and bias on social media platforms. The film’s supporters view the Oscar snub as further evidence of Hollywood’s liberal bias and its disregard for conservative voices. Critics of the film, on the other hand, may argue that its lack of critical acclaim and Oscar consideration is simply a reflection of its artistic merit.
Regardless of one’s perspective, the "Reagan" controversy underscores the ongoing cultural and political tensions within the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by filmmakers attempting to navigate a rapidly changing landscape. The debate surrounding the film is likely to continue, fueling discussions about representation, inclusivity, and the future of Hollywood.
